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Carolina Tiger Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit wildlife sanctuary whose mission is saving and protecting wild cats in captivity and in the wild.
We are excited to be welcoming seven new servals into the family, just in time for the holidays!
This international rescue began several months ago when we were contacted by authorities in British Columbia, Canada after they shut down a backyard breeder. The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) seized thirteen servals from horrific conditions. A statement said most of the African cats were being kept in RV trailers on the property and were exposed to high levels of ammonia from urine, with litter boxes overflowing with feces. The BC SPCA said there was not proper ventilation or access to water, despite high temperatures, and no natural light because the windows were covered.
Like many breeders, they had a website for prospective customers that included images of the animals and kittens that were for sale. But, like many breeders, the website didn’t allude to the conditions in which the animals were kept. Authorities said the case fits with a trend of substandard breeders who have very attractive websites so buyers are unaware of how distressing the actual living conditions are for the animals.
Of the thirteen, seven of the servals will be making their way to the sanctuary on Tuesday, November 26, just in time to celebrate their first Thanksgiving with the rescue. The cats will be welcomed by Carolina Tiger Rescue staff when they arrive and will be given plenty of time to get acclimated. During the thirty days in quarantine, the sanctuary’s veterinarian, Dr. Angela Lassiter, will give each animal a complete wellness check and hopefully a clean bill of health. In this time, animal keeper staff will assess the servals’ individual personalities and group dynamics to determine if they are a good fit to live along the tour path. Regardless of this determination, the servals will get to live the rest of their lives in the care of professionals who can provide them with the specialized care their species needs.
UPDATE: The seven cats, four females and three males, have arrived safely at the sanctuary. Keeper staff have welcomed them into the quarantine building with boughs of pine, balls and treats of raw meat. The servals are getting acclimated and have enjoyed inspecting their new surroundings.
An international rescue of this magnitude would not be possible without your help. Thank you for allowing us to welcome home seven more cats, just in time for the holidays.
The cost of the rescue, quarantine, and a new habitat will be $20,500. You can help our seven servals by giving on our website or through the sanctuary’s Facebook page. If you’re mailing a check, please have “Rescue” in the memo line and send to: 1940 Hanks Chapel Road, Pittsboro, N.C. 27312.
One hundred percent of donations go toward the care of the animals and education.
